The full provisional program
for the World Vegetarian Congress in Brazil is now online at http://www.ivu.org/congress/2004/program.html
- there may be a few changes to details before the Congress but you
can now see everything that is happening.

World concerns about safe
water, food and health, as well as compassion, economics, ethics and
environment, are among the reasons up to 2,000 people are expected to
attend the 36th World Vegetarian Congress in Brazil 8-14 November.

"We're honored to be
hosting this prestigious event sponsored every two years in a different
country by the International Vegetarian Union (IVU)," said Marly
Winckler, President of the Congress and the Brazilian Vegetarian Society.

"We're expecting hundreds
of people for this first- time-event of such magnitude in Latin America,"
Ms. Winckler stated. "Many of those registered are Brazilians eager
to take part, but registrants from abroad are coming in daily and we
now have about 20 foreign countries represented."

The volume of registrants
from Brazil confirms the increase of vegetarians and those interested
in learning more about its impact on world problems, according to Ms
Winckler.,

"At present, vegetarians
compose about 5% of the Brazilian population," Ms Winckler said..
"This means there are approximately 7 million active or potential
vegetarians, mainly concentrated in the classes with higher education
and purchasing power. These people are more aware of how one's choice
of diet relates to having a better quality of life while also helping
to protect innocent animals and the ecosystem."

The theme of the Congress
is encompassing and will be the centerpoint of the 70 plus presenters:
"For a vegetarian world. For people. For animals. For the planet."

All of the speakers are authorities
on why a plant-based diet is a major solution in healing the problems
of the world including hunger, pollution, aggression, unnecessary slaughter,
dismal economies, ethical and spiritual deprivation, and even war.

Other events taking place
in conjunction with the Congress include:

- Fashion with Compassion,
a special fashion show using vegan materials
- Cruelty Free Fair featuring health-promoting products
- Numerous food booths and demonstrations
- Three pre and post conference tours to the beaches and mountains of
Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul and also tours to the Iguazu Falls
and Rio de Janeiro.

"We are happy to have
the opportunity to show visitors the beauty of our country and its people
while providing them with the latest information from world authorities
who will inform, educate, demonstrate and promote a more health-oriented
and compassionate world."

"The Congress is scheduled
to take place 8-14 November at Costão do Santinho, in the City
of Florianópolis (Santa Catarina, Brazil)."

Beginning on World Vegetarian
Day (October 1), throughout World Vegetarian Month (October) and right
until the end of December, VegDining.com is accepting nominations for
its second annual Vegetarian Restaurants of the Year awards. Submit
your vote for your favorite restaurant(s) in city categories from Adelaide
to Zurich ! Winners will be announced on January 1, 2005.

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